Deploy self-regulatory mechanism to check influx of substandard goods- SON

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has urged electronic dealers at Alaba International Market in Lagos to deploy a self-regulatory mechanism to check the influx of substandard goods.

Mr Osita Aboloma, the Director-General of SON, made the assertion while receiving electronics dealers and members of the Association of National Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), who paid him visit in Lagos.

Aboloma said that most of the products being sold at the market were “life-endangering’’.

He said: “If you are recognised as being a standard ambassador, people will have more confidence in your products.

“You will have traceability of your products. Quality and standards keep evolving and we need continuous feedback from you.

“We need you to be quality vanguards.

“We want to rekindle our relationship, emulate your neighbours, the Electrical Dealers Association of Nigeria (EDAN) establish a SON desk in your market, bring quality assurance closer to you people.

“This is what I propose. We want you to come with us to sensitise other markets where they sell electronics to let them know what they need to do by conforming to standards.

“It is going to be a win-win situation because your turnover will increase.”

The SON director-general said that the organisation would continue to partner with the electronic dealers and members of ANLCA to curb sales of substandard goods.

He urged the association to be abreast of the agency’s innovation and development.

Aboloma said that the organisation had automated its clearing processes for effective service delivery, while also reducing human interference and reduction in turnaround time.

“Our automation is flawless, it reduces the turnaround time for clearing. The automation in respect to product registration and pre-shipment document (SONCAP) have all been automated.

“So, if somebody informs you that he incurred demurrage because of SONCAP, that is a deliberate move to misinform the public.

“You cannot even ship your products into the country without securing some kind of product registration.

“It makes the process of clearing goods seamless without compromising the quality of goods coming into Nigeria,” he said.

In his remarks, the National President of ANLCA, Iju Nwabunike, said the association was looking forward to continually support the government through all lawful means within its capacity.

Nwabunike called for continuous compliance orientation, training and seminars of his members to help SON achieve its goals and objectives.

He commended SON’s automation processes, saying that it had helped to achieve seamless cargo clearing activities.

Also, the Executive Chairman, Alaba Electronics, Paulinus Ugochukwu, stated since his assumption of office, it has not been business as usual for electronic dealers.

Ugochukwu said that his administration was working hard to bring back the glory days of Alaba International Market.

He urged electronic dealers to establish their own brands, saying that the established local brands were doing very well in the market, while also competing with foreign brands.

Ugochukwu pledged to partner SON to bring to an end fake and substandard products tarnishing the image of Alaba International Market.

“We will engage in sensitisation programmes to encourage these dealers to produce their own brand going forward,” he said.